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About Time is the national newspaper for Australian prisons and detention facilities

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ISSUE NO. 26

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Sections

September 2026

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Poetry

‘They Know the Person, Not the Crime’: A First-Timer’s Poem on Family

By

Martin

Martin writes from a prison in VIC.

Willy Pleasance

I am starting my fourth week in the prison system and already in my third prison. This is my first time inside and I must say, stumbling across About Time has made things so much better. The open, honest, raw and relatable articles are real gems and resonate hugely.

I felt compelled to contribute so here follows a few submissions for your consideration.

About Time

There is a great paper ‘About Time’,

Which is free and won’t cost you a dime,

With articles galore,

It is never a bore,

And provides a refreshing angle on crime!

Gotta Get Through This

First time in jail, and last time I swear,

Prison and bail, a total nightmare.

Missing family, my freedom and work,

I made one mistake, now feel like a jerk.

But I am lucky, now let me explain,

Loved ones stand by me, that helps keep me sane.

They know the person, not based on a crime,

But years together, and love over time.

So I can smile, with them as my light,

And all the while, I have them in sight.

Just that one reason, can get me through this

Season to season, it is them I miss.

I am starting my fourth week in the prison system and already in my third prison. This is my first time inside and I must say, stumbling across About Time has made things so much better. The open, honest, raw and relatable articles are real gems and resonate hugely.

I felt compelled to contribute so here follows a few submissions for your consideration.

About Time

There is a great paper ‘About Time’,

Which is free and won’t cost you a dime,

With articles galore,

It is never a bore,

And provides a refreshing angle on crime!

Gotta Get Through This

First time in jail, and last time I swear,

Prison and bail, a total nightmare.

Missing family, my freedom and work,

I made one mistake, now feel like a jerk.

But I am lucky, now let me explain,

Loved ones stand by me, that helps keep me sane.

They know the person, not based on a crime,

But years together, and love over time.

So I can smile, with them as my light,

And all the while, I have them in sight.

Just that one reason, can get me through this

Season to season, it is them I miss.

This
piece
was originally printed in the
September 2026
edition of About Time.
By Daniel

I wrote this song when I started my sentence in June 2026.

ISSUE NO. 26
3 MIN READ
By Leonor

Somebody’s Daughter Theatre offers women within the prison system in Victoria, the opportunity to participate in weekly art workshops.

ISSUE NO. 26
2 MIN READ
By Martin

I’m a rapper and I thought I’d share one of the songs I’ve written.

ISSUE NO. 26
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By Stevie

Dear Dad – entering into a trance, muttering words of vines, love stories you wrote, were magnificent and great.

ISSUE NO. 26
1 MIN READ